When you encounter the Chinese word 高原 (gāoyuán), it refers to a plateau or highland. Think of a large area of flat land that is significantly higher than the land around it.
It's like a big, elevated table of land. You might hear this word when talking about geography, like the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which is one of the most famous examples.
“高原” (gāoyuán) literally translates to "high plain" or "plateau." It refers to a large area of high, flat land. You'll often hear it in geography contexts, like the "Qinghai-Tibet Plateau" (青藏高原 Qīngzàng Gāoyuán).
While often used geographically, “高原” can also be used metaphorically to describe a peak or a high point in something, though this is less common for A2 learners.
For example, if someone reaches a “高原” in their career, it implies they’ve hit a high point or a stable, elevated position. However, for everyday use, stick to its primary meaning of a geographical plateau.
It’s a common and practical term to know for understanding descriptions of Chinese landscapes and beyond.
高原 30초 만에
- elevated flat land
- high ground
- tableland
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
- DEFINITION
- A large area of flat land that is high above sea level.
青藏高原是世界上海拔最高的高原。
我们计划去高原地区旅游。
§ Don't Confuse with Mountains or Hills
Many English speakers learning Chinese tend to use 高原 (gāoyuán) interchangeably with general terms for elevated land, like 山 (shān - mountain) or 丘陵 (qiūlíng - hills). While a plateau is indeed elevated, it's distinct. A mountain is a naturally raised part of the earth's surface, typically steeper than a hill, while a plateau is a large area of flat land that is higher than the land around it.
青藏高原是世界上海拔最高的高原。 (The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the highest plateau in the world.)
You wouldn't say 青藏山 (Qinghai-Tibet Mountain) unless you were referring to a specific mountain within the plateau. So, be precise with your geographical terms.
§ Using it for 'High' in General Sense
Another common mistake is to use 高原 (gāoyuán) to mean 'high' in a general sense, like 'high place' or 'high altitude' when it's not specifically a plateau. 高原 (gāoyuán) refers to a specific geological formation. If you want to say 'high altitude' in a general sense, you'd use 高海拔 (gāo hǎibá) or simply 高处 (gāochù - high place).
- DEFINITION
- plateau; highland
For example, if you're talking about a plane flying at a high altitude, you'd say 飞机在高海拔飞行 (fēijī zài gāo hǎibá fēixíng), not 飞机在高原飞行 (fēijī zài gāoyuán fēixíng), unless the plane was specifically flying over a plateau.
生活在高原地区的人们习惯了稀薄的空气。 (People living in plateau regions are used to the thin air.)
§ Overusing the Term
Sometimes learners, after learning a new word, tend to overuse it. While it's great to practice, make sure 高原 (gāoyuán) is the most appropriate word for the context. Chinese, like English, has many ways to describe geographical features. Don't force 高原 (gāoyuán) into sentences where a simpler or more specific term would be better.
- If it's just a high area, use 高处 (gāochù).
- If it's a mountain, use 山 (shān).
- If it's a hill, use 丘陵 (qiūlíng).
这个国家的北部有很多高原。 (The northern part of this country has many plateaus.)
By understanding these distinctions and practicing with examples, you'll use 高原 (gāoyuán) much more accurately and naturally. Keep up the good work!
발음 가이드
- Mispronouncing the 'ao' in gāo
- Mispronouncing the 'uan' in yuán
난이도
short
short
short
short
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
수준별 예문
这是什么高原？
What plateau is this?
我喜欢高原的风景。
I like the scenery of the plateau.
高原上有很多山。
There are many mountains on the plateau.
她住在高原。
She lives on the plateau.
高原的天气很冷。
The weather on the plateau is very cold.
我们去看高原动物。
Let's go see plateau animals.
高原的空气很新鲜。
The air on the plateau is very fresh.
这个高原很高。
This plateau is very high.
青藏高原是世界上海拔最高的高原。
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the world's highest plateau.
海拔 (hǎibá): altitude; height above sea level
许多野生动物生活在非洲的高原上。
Many wild animals live on the plateaus of Africa.
野生动物 (yěshēng dòngwù): wild animals
在高海拔的高原地区，空气比较稀薄。
In high-altitude plateau areas, the air is relatively thin.
稀薄 (xībó): thin; sparse
他从小在高原生长的，所以身体素质很好。
He grew up on a plateau, so his physical fitness is very good.
身体素质 (shēntǐ sùzhì): physical fitness
这个国家的大部分地区都是高原地形。
Most parts of this country have plateau terrain.
地形 (dìxíng): terrain; topography
我们计划去高原旅行，欣赏那里的独特风光。
We plan to travel to the plateau to enjoy its unique scenery.
独特 (dútè): unique; distinctive; 风光 (fēngguāng): scenery
由于高原气候寒冷，农作物生长周期较短。
Due to the cold plateau climate, the growing season for crops is relatively short.
气候 (qìhòu): climate; 农作物 (nóngzuòwù): crops
科学家正在研究高原生态系统的特点。
Scientists are studying the characteristics of plateau ecosystems.
生态系统 (shēngtài xìtǒng): ecosystem; 特点 (tèdiǎn): characteristic; feature
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
登上高原
ascend to the plateau
生活在高原
live on the plateau
高原上的生活
life on the plateau
适应高原环境
adapt to the plateau environment
高原之行
trip to the plateau
美丽的_高原
beautiful plateau
高寒_高原
cold high plateau
高原的_景色
scenery of the plateau
在_高原_上
on the plateau
高原_地带
plateau zone
자주 혼동되는 단어
Mountain range. While related to mountains, a mountain range is a series of mountains, whereas a plateau is a large, flat, elevated area.
Basin. This is the opposite of a plateau, referring to a low-lying area surrounded by higher land.
Hills. These are smaller and less steep than mountains and generally lower in elevation than plateaus.
혼동하기 쉬운
This character means 'tall' or 'high' and is part of '高原'. Learners might confuse its individual meaning with the combined meaning of the phrase.
When '高' is part of '高原', it contributes to the idea of elevation, but '高原' refers to a specific geographical feature, not just height in general.
这座山很高。(This mountain is very high.) / 青藏高原是世界上海拔最高的。(The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has the highest altitude in the world.)
This character can mean 'original', 'former', or 'plain'. In '高原', it refers to a 'plain' or 'flat land' at a high elevation, which can be counterintuitive.
While '原' can mean 'plain' in other contexts (e.g., 平原 - plain), in '高原', it specifically denotes a high-altitude flat area. Its individual meaning of 'original' or 'former' is unrelated.
我的原计划是去旅行。(My original plan was to travel.) / 高原地区气候干燥。(The plateau region has a dry climate.)
Both '高原' (plateau) and '山' (mountain) refer to elevated landforms. Learners might not immediately grasp the distinction.
A '山' (mountain) is typically a peaked elevation, whereas a '高原' (plateau) is a large area of flat land at a high altitude.
我喜欢爬山。(I like to climb mountains.) / 青藏高原有很多湖泊。(There are many lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.)
Both '高原' and '平原' contain '原' and describe relatively flat land. The key difference is elevation, which learners might overlook.
'平原' (plain) refers to flat land at a low altitude, usually near sea level. '高原' (plateau) is flat land at a *high* altitude.
华北平原是中国最大的平原。(The North China Plain is the largest plain in China.) / 高原上的空气比较稀薄。(The air on the plateau is thinner.)
This term directly translates to 'high ground' or 'upland', which is very close in meaning to '高原'. The distinction can be subtle.
'高地' (high ground/upland) is a more general term for elevated land, often smaller in scale than a '高原' (plateau), which refers to a large, relatively flat expanse.
军队占领了那片高地。(The army occupied that piece of high ground.) / 青藏高原是世界屋脊。(The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the 'Roof of the World'.)
팁
Basic Meaning
高原 (gāoyuán) literally means high plain. The character 高 (gāo) means high, and 原 (yuán) means plain or field. Think of it as a flat area that's elevated.
Common Usage
It's often used to describe geographical features, like the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原 - Qīngzàng Gāoyuán), which is a very famous example.
Associated Concepts
When you hear 高原, also think of high altitude (高海拔 - gāo hǎibá) and potentially thin air (空气稀薄 - kōngqì xībó), as these are common characteristics of plateaus.
Figurative Use (less common)
While primarily geographical, sometimes '高原' can be used figuratively to mean a peak or a high point in achievements, but this is much less common and more advanced. Stick to the geographical meaning first.
Sentence Structure
You can use it simply: 这是高原 (Zhè shì gāoyuán - This is a plateau). Or describe something on a plateau: 高原上的湖 (Gāoyuán shàng de hú - Lake on the plateau).
Related Nouns
Consider other related geographical terms like mountain (山 - shān), plain (平原 - píngyuán), and valley (山谷 - shāngǔ) to differentiate.
Don't Confuse With
Don't confuse 高原 (gāoyuán) with mountain (山 - shān). A plateau is a large flat area, while a mountain is a peak.
Example 1
青藏高原是世界上海拔最高的高原。 (Qīngzàng gāoyuán shì shìjiè shàng hǎibá zuì gāo de gāoyuán.)
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the highest plateau in the world.
Example 2
我们去了高原旅行。 (Wǒmen qù le gāoyuán lǚxíng.)
We went on a trip to the plateau.
Example 3
这种植物只生长在高原地区。 (Zhè zhǒng zhíwù zhǐ shēngzhǎng zài gāoyuán dìqū.)
This type of plant only grows in plateau areas.
암기하기
기억법
Imagine a **high** place, like a **plateau**. The word sounds a bit like 'gao' for high, and 'yuan' for a flat, open space. So, **gao-yuan** is a **high plateau**.
시각적 연상
Picture a vast, flat, elevated landscape, perhaps with some yaks or nomadic tents. Think of the Tibetan Plateau, which is a famous '高原'.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to describe a picture of a plateau using '高原'. For example, '这张照片里有一个美丽的**高原**' (This photo has a beautiful **plateau**).
셀프 테스트 72 질문
她第一次看到_____，觉得很壮观。
The sentence describes seeing something 'grand' for the first time. '高原' (plateau) fits the context of a grand natural landscape.
这个地方有很多山和_____。
The sentence mentions 'mountains', so '高原' (plateau) is a suitable geographical feature to be paired with mountains.
我们在_____上看到了很多动物。
Animals are often found in natural environments like '高原' (plateau).
那里的人们习惯了_____的生活。
The sentence talks about people being 'used to' a certain type of life, implying a specific geographical setting like '高原' (plateau).
从这里可以看到远处的_____。
What one can 'see in the distance' is often a landscape feature like '高原' (plateau).
他喜欢在_____徒步旅行。
'徒步旅行' (hiking/trekking) is an activity commonly done in natural areas like '高原' (plateau).
青藏___是世界上海拔最高的高原。
青藏高原 (Qīngzàng Gāoyuán) refers to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the highest plateau in the world.
这个国家有很多___，气候凉爽。
高原 (gāoyuán) means plateau or highland. Many countries have plateaus with cool climates.
我喜欢住在___，因为空气很好。
高原 (gāoyuán) often has good air quality, making it a desirable place to live for some.
高原通常比平原海拔更高。
高原 (gāoyuán) by definition is an elevated flatland, meaning it is higher than a plain (平原, píngyuán).
在高原上，呼吸可能会更容易。
在高海拔的高原上，空气稀薄，呼吸通常会更困难，而不是更容易。
高原地区的水资源通常很丰富。
高原地区的水资源情况因地理位置而异，但通常并非都非常丰富，有些高原地区可能缺水。
What does '高原' refer to?
What is high?
What is on the plateau?
Read this aloud:
高原的空气很新鲜。
Focus: 高 (gāo), 原 (yuán)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我想去高原旅行。
Focus: 旅 (lǚ), 行 (xíng)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
高原的天气怎么样？
Focus: 天 (tiān), 气 (qì)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence introduces a place as a plateau. '这里' means 'here', '是' means 'is', and '高原' means 'plateau'.
This sentence expresses liking the scenery of a plateau. '我' means 'I', '喜欢' means 'like', '高原' means 'plateau', '的' is a possessive particle, and '风景' means 'scenery'.
This sentence describes a plateau as high. '高原' means 'plateau', '很' means 'very', and '高' means 'high'.
Imagine you are describing a beautiful natural landscape to a friend. Write a sentence in Chinese using "高原" to describe a high, flat area.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这个高原非常美丽，有很多花草树木。 (This plateau is very beautiful, with many flowers and trees.)
Your friend is asking about famous places to visit in China. Write a short sentence recommending a well-known plateau, using "高原".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你可以去青藏高原看看，那里很特别。 (You can go see the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it's very special.)
You are writing a journal entry about a trip you took. Write a sentence describing an experience you had on a plateau, using "高原".
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我在高原上爬山，感觉离天空很近。 (I climbed a mountain on the plateau, feeling very close to the sky.)
根据短文，中国西部有什么？ (According to the passage, what is in western China?)
Read this passage:
中国西部有很多高原。这些高原很高，上面住着很多人。他们喜欢在高原上放牧。 (There are many plateaus in western China. These plateaus are very high, and many people live on them. They like to graze livestock on the plateaus.)
根据短文，中国西部有什么？ (According to the passage, what is in western China?)
短文第一句就说了“中国西部有很多高原”。 (The first sentence of the passage states 'There are many plateaus in western China.')
短文第一句就说了“中国西部有很多高原”。 (The first sentence of the passage states 'There are many plateaus in western China.')
关于这个高原，哪句话是对的？ (Regarding this plateau, which statement is correct?)
Read this passage:
这个高原气候很冷，但是风景很美。每年都有很多人来这里旅游。 (The climate on this plateau is very cold, but the scenery is beautiful. Many people come here to travel every year.)
关于这个高原，哪句话是对的？ (Regarding this plateau, which statement is correct?)
短文最后一句说了“每年都有很多人来这里旅游”。 (The last sentence of the passage states 'Many people come here to travel every year.')
短文最后一句说了“每年都有很多人来这里旅游”。 (The last sentence of the passage states 'Many people come here to travel every year.')
去青藏高原旅游需要注意什么？ (What needs to be paid attention to when traveling to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau?)
Read this passage:
青藏高原是世界上海拔最高的高原。那里的空气比较稀薄，去旅游需要注意身体。 (The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the highest plateau in the world. The air there is relatively thin, so you need to pay attention to your health when traveling.)
去青藏高原旅游需要注意什么？ (What needs to be paid attention to when traveling to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau?)
短文最后一句提示“去旅游需要注意身体”。 (The last sentence of the passage advises 'you need to pay attention to your health when traveling.')
短文最后一句提示“去旅游需要注意身体”。 (The last sentence of the passage advises 'you need to pay attention to your health when traveling.')
青藏___是世界上海拔最高的高原。
青藏高原 (Qīngzàng Gāoyuán) refers to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known for its high altitude.
在旅行时，我发现这个国家的西部大部分是___地带。
高原地带 (gāoyuán dìdài) means plateau region. The context implies a high-altitude area.
由于气候寒冷，___上的植物种类相对较少。
高原 (gāoyuán) is the most suitable word here, as plateaus often have cold climates and sparse vegetation.
生活在高原地区的人们可能需要适应较低的氧气含量。
高原地区海拔高，氧气稀薄，所以需要适应。 (Gāoyuán dìqū hǎibáogāo, yǎngqì xībó, suǒyǐ xūyào shìyìng. - Plateau regions have high altitudes and thin oxygen, so adaptation is needed.)
“高原”这个词通常指海拔较低、地势平坦的区域。
高原指的是海拔高、地势开阔的地区，而不是海拔低、平坦的区域。 (Gāoyuán zhǐ de shì hǎibáogāo, dìshì kāikuò de dìqū, ér bùshì hǎibáodī, píngtǎn de qūyù. - Plateau refers to areas with high altitude and open terrain, not low altitude and flat areas.)
在一些国家，高原气候可能会对农业生产造成挑战。
高原气候通常有低温、强风等特点，对农业生产有不利影响。 (Gāoyuán qìhòu tōngcháng yǒu dīwēn, qiángfēng děng tèdiǎn, duì nóngyè shēngchǎn yǒu bùlì yǐngxiǎng. - Plateau climate usually has characteristics like low temperature and strong winds, which have adverse effects on agricultural production.)
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the highest plateau in the world.
When traveling to plateau areas, you need to pay attention to altitude sickness.
Most of this country's regions are plateaus.
Read this aloud:
你喜欢高原上的风景吗？
Focus: 高
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
我从来没有去过高原。
Focus: 没
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
高原上的空气比较稀薄。
Focus: 稀
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is known as the 'Roof of the World'.
There are many unique animals on the plateau.
They have adapted to living in the plateau environment.
青藏___是世界上海拔最高的高原。
青藏高原 (Qīngzàng Gāoyuán) is the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which fits the context of being the highest plateau in the world.
那里的居民世世代代生活在___上，对这里的环境非常适应。
The sentence talks about residents living for generations and being adapted to the environment, implying they live in a specific geographical feature. '高原' (gāoyuán) fits the context of a high-altitude area.
长时间在___地区生活，身体会逐渐适应缺氧环境。
The sentence discusses the body adapting to a low-oxygen environment (缺氧环境). '高原' (gāoyuán) is known for its low oxygen levels.
这次旅行我们计划去探访一个未被开发的___，体验原始的自然风光。
The sentence talks about exploring an undeveloped area to experience primitive natural scenery. '高原' (gāoyuán) fits the description of a potentially remote and untouched natural landscape.
他从___回到平原后，需要一段时间来适应气压和氧气的变化。
The sentence describes adapting to changes in air pressure and oxygen after returning from a place to a plain. '高原' (gāoyuán) is a high-altitude area with different air pressure and oxygen levels compared to plains.
虽然___上的生活条件艰苦，但那里的人们依然乐观向上。
The sentence mentions difficult living conditions (生活条件艰苦) but people remaining optimistic. This is often associated with challenging environments like a '高原' (gāoyuán).
青藏___是世界上海拔最高、面积最大的高原。
这句话描述了青藏高原的特点，因此“高原”是正确的选项。 (This sentence describes the characteristics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, so 'plateau' is the correct option.)
许多生活在___地区的人们已经适应了低氧环境。
这句话指的是适应低氧环境的人，通常是在高原地区。 (This sentence refers to people who have adapted to low-oxygen environments, which is usually in high-altitude areas.)
这次旅行我们计划穿越多个___，体验不同的自然风光。
根据语境，穿越多个地方体验不同自然风光，通常会包括高原。 (According to the context, traveling through multiple places to experience different natural scenery usually includes plateaus.)
在___上，气候往往更加寒冷干燥。
这句话描述了气候特点，高原地区通常气候寒冷干燥。 (This sentence describes climatic characteristics; plateau regions are usually cold and dry.)
修建这条公路需要克服___地带的诸多施工难题。
“高原地带”指的是高海拔地区，通常施工难度较大。 ('Highland areas' refer to high-altitude regions, where construction is usually more difficult.)
由于地理位置偏僻，许多___上的村落至今保留着原始的生活方式。
地理位置偏僻且保留原始生活方式的村落通常存在于高原地区。 (Villages in remote geographical locations that retain primitive lifestyles are usually found in plateau regions.)
Imagine you are an explorer. Describe your journey across a vast高原 (plateau), including the challenges and beauty you encounter. Use specific adjectives to depict the landscape and your feelings. Your response should be at least 80 Chinese characters.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们穿越了一片广阔而神秘的青藏高原。稀薄的空气让每一步都充满挑战，但四周壮丽的景色——连绵起伏的山峦、清澈见底的湖泊，都让人感到心旷神怡。夜晚，繁星点点，仿佛伸手可及，这种纯粹的美丽是城市生活中无法体验的。
You are writing a travel guide for international tourists visiting China. Write a short paragraph (around 70-90 characters) introducing a famous高原 region in China, highlighting its unique cultural aspects and natural attractions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
青藏高原不仅拥有令人惊叹的自然风光，更蕴藏着丰富的藏族文化。游客可以在这里体验独特的寺庙建筑、品尝酥油茶，感受纯朴的民风。高海拔的地理环境造就了这里独一无二的生态系统，是摄影和探险的绝佳目的地。
Write a short personal reflection (about 60-80 characters) on how living or traveling on a高原 might change a person's perspective on life, using phrases like '开阔视野' (broaden one's horizons) or '心胸开阔' (open-minded).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在高原上生活，让我感受到了大自然的宏伟与人类的渺小。稀薄的空气和广阔的景色仿佛能开阔我的视野，使我的心胸更加开阔。它让我重新思考人生的意义，更加珍惜眼前的一切，对生命有了更深刻的理解。
根据短文，下列哪项不是青藏高原的特点？
Read this passage:
青藏高原是世界上海拔最高、面积最大的高原，被誉为“世界屋脊”。其独特的地理环境孕育了丰富多样的生物，也造就了独特的藏族文化。然而，由于全球气候变暖，青藏高原的冰川正在加速融化，对当地生态和水资源造成了严重影响。
根据短文，下列哪项不是青藏高原的特点？
短文提到青藏高原是世界上海拔最高、面积最大的高原，冰川正在加速融化，但并未提及气候温暖宜人。高海拔地区的气候通常寒冷。
短文提到青藏高原是世界上海拔最高、面积最大的高原，冰川正在加速融化，但并未提及气候温暖宜人。高海拔地区的气候通常寒冷。
文章指出，探险家和旅行者前往高原的主要原因是什么？
Read this passage:
许多探险家和旅行者都渴望征服高原，体验那份与众不同的挑战和壮丽。在攀登高原的过程中，他们不仅要克服身体上的极限，还要应对多变的天气和复杂的地理环境。然而，正是这些挑战，让高原之旅更具吸引力。
文章指出，探险家和旅行者前往高原的主要原因是什么？
短文明确提到，人们渴望征服高原，体验“那份与众不同的挑战和壮丽”。
短文明确提到，人们渴望征服高原，体验“那份与众不同的挑战和壮丽”。
根据短文，高原植物和动物为了适应高原环境，分别发展出了哪些特点？
Read this passage:
高原地区的气候通常表现出昼夜温差大、紫外线强、空气稀薄等特点。这些因素使得高原上的生命形式展现出独特的适应性。例如，高原植物为了适应强烈的紫外线，往往具有更厚的表皮和更深的颜色；而高原动物则进化出了更强的携氧能力。
根据短文，高原植物和动物为了适应高原环境，分别发展出了哪些特点？
短文明确指出，高原植物“往往具有更厚的表皮和更深的颜色”，而高原动物“则进化出了更强的携氧能力”。
短文明确指出，高原植物“往往具有更厚的表皮和更深的颜色”，而高原动物“则进化出了更强的携氧能力”。
This sentence describes the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as the 'Roof of the World'. The order is 'Qinghai-Tibet Plateau' (青藏高原) then 'is' (是) and finally 'Roof of the World' (世界屋脊).
The sentence means 'The climate of this plateau is very unique'. The order is 'this plateau' (这个高原) followed by 's climate' (的气候) and then 'is very unique' (很独特).
This sentence means 'Residents living on the plateau have adapted to the harsh environment'. The order is 'residents living on the plateau' (生活在高原上的居民) followed by 'have adapted to' (适应了) and then 'the harsh environment' (严酷环境).
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
高原 refers to a large, flat area of land that is significantly higher than its surroundings.
- elevated flat land
- high ground
- tableland
Basic Meaning
高原 (gāoyuán) literally means high plain. The character 高 (gāo) means high, and 原 (yuán) means plain or field. Think of it as a flat area that's elevated.
Common Usage
It's often used to describe geographical features, like the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原 - Qīngzàng Gāoyuán), which is a very famous example.
Associated Concepts
When you hear 高原, also think of high altitude (高海拔 - gāo hǎibá) and potentially thin air (空气稀薄 - kōngqì xībó), as these are common characteristics of plateaus.
Figurative Use (less common)
While primarily geographical, sometimes '高原' can be used figuratively to mean a peak or a high point in achievements, but this is much less common and more advanced. Stick to the geographical meaning first.
